Hungry Hippo see off Rovers

Published:08:38Friday 04 March 2011

Manor Pharmacy Matlock and District Football League round-up

by Drew Robertson

Football was the victor for most Matlock and District Football League teams as the unpredictable weather was defeated by resolute teams determined to play matches, despite a deluge of rain overnight on Friday.

Cavendish Cup action saw Darley Dale Lions progress 5-2 on a �mudbath� of a pitch as they switched their clash away to Tansley. It was a spirited display from the Lions, whose goals from Wes Harrop (two), Ash Webster, Liam Keeton and Martin French roared them into the next round. Graham Whysall and Dave Harpe scored for Tansley.

The King’s Arms ruled with the most impressive performance of the afternoon when a hat-trick from Steven Brown, plus braces from Craig Merrett and Kyle Johnson, gave them a 7-3 win as Laburnum Saints chose to travel to Crich. Kings were 5-0 up in the first half, which dampened the Saints somewhat.

The only thing that shone for them was the afternoon sun, with Matt Warren’s double and Andy Clifton’s strike scant consolation the afternoon’s other goals as The Kings went joint top on 31 points.

�Matlock Town Youth were happy travellers with two strikes from Callum Lytham, added to goals from Sam Kirk and Ashley Radford, inflicting the fourth consecutive defeat over Woodthorpe Rovers, whose Matt Walsh scored twice to give a more respectable 4-2 scoreline.

Hungry Hippo took a chunk out of Riddings Rovers’� title hopes after coming back from two goals down with a hat-trick from goal machine Joe Taylor. Rovers� Gavin Bocking and player-manager Mark Turner gave the home team, who switched the match after all games were called off at Cavendish Playing Fields in Matlock, a half-time lead.

Shirland Miners Welfare made a massive effort to sweep standing water off the pitch as they were determined to get their game on but it was a stalemate as neither the home side or Wirksworth Albion could hit the back of the net. Honours were shared in the 0-0 draw.

This Saturday (March 5), Tibshelf play The Kings Arms, completing the Cavendish Cup first round. Second round games include Riddings Rovers v Hilcote United and Laburnum Saints v Darley Dale Lions.